Columbus Co. to hold public hearing on International Paper incentives

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Columbus County residents will have a chance next month to sound off on a plan to give incentives to a large employer.

Last night the Columbus County Commission voted unanimously to have a public hearing on incentives for International Paper at the next commission meeting Oct. 5

The county’s Economic Development Commission has already approved a plan commissioners would still need to approve that would pay International Paper nearly $3.5 million over five years. To get the incentives, International Paper would do “intensive upgrades to install a new production line and related equipment” at its plant in Riegelwood. Those investments are expected to total $128 million.

Back in March, International Paper announced plans to cut jobs while spending about $135 million to change the focus of its production.